Prudential, seven other N.J. companies make Working Mother list

Newark-based Prudential Financial led a group of eight New Jersey companies that made the “Working Mother” magazine's 100 best companies list, it was announced today.

Prudential ranked No. 10 overall on the list.

"Prudential's commitment to our employees and their families has stood the test of time, and being acknowledged by 'Working Mother' magazine is a wonderful testament to that," Maureen Corcoran, vice president of life, health and inclusion at Prudential, said in a statement. "We are thrilled to be a top 10 company for working mothers,"

"Horizon is honored to once again to be recognized as one of the best companies for working mothers," said Alison Banks-Moore, Chief Diversity Officer, Horizon BCBSNJ. "Horizon is committed to offering workplace programs that help parents maintain a healthy balance between home and work."

Companies had to apply to be considered for the list. That application included more than 550 questions. This year, those questions focused heavily on flexible work schedules, women's advancement programs and paid maternity leave.

Here's a snapshot of why these eight New Jersey companies earned a spot on the list:

Bayer: The Hanover-based company scored high marks for its mentorship programs, recently increasing the number of peer-coaching groups available to female employees.

HorizonHealthcareServices: Horizon recognizes the importance of offering our working parents the flexibility they need to maintain a healthy balance between responsibilities at work and home," Alison Banks-Moore, Chief Diversity Officer, Horizon BCBSNJ, said. "Attracting the best talent means offering progressive work arrangements that help our employees succeed as both professionals and parents. Being a family-friendly company fosters a culture in which our workers can achieve, thrive and excel.

Johnson & Johnson: The New Brunswick company is flush with family-friendly programs, including access to free consultations with experts to discuss issues such as education for kids with special needs.

Merck: This pharmaceutical giant, based in Whitehouse Station, had a whole list of plusses for working moms, including three to six weeks of paid vacation every year.

PrudentialFinancial: New moms at Prudential, based in Newark, can take up to 26 job-guaranteed weeks off, with nine partially paid.

RothsteinKass: This public accounting firm in Roseland has a new nationwide backup dependent care program that costs $6 an hour for in-home care and $15 to $25 a day for care at local facilities. The program can be used up to 15 times per year.

Unilever: This company—which makes Hellman's mayonnaise, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter and Breyer's Ice Cream—has created a Women's Interactive Network, which offers professional development programs, as well as talks and panel discussions.

NovartisPharmaceuticals: Novartis, which is headquartered in East Hanover, offers women a Global Executive Female Leadership Program and 10 weeks of paid maternity leave.